The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) changed the usual time for placing trash, recycling, and compost out at the curb for collection. The new set-out times will help keep city streets clean and reduce food sources for rats.

Under the new rules, residential buildings must: 

• Place waste out after 6 PM in a secure container of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or
• Place waste out after 8 PM if putting bags directly on the curb.

Bundled cardboard and bulk items can be placed out any time between 6 PM and midnight.

Appliances containing CFC must be placed out between 6 PM and midnight the evening before the scheduled CFC and Freon Removal appointment.

To ensure collection, all waste must be set out no later than midnight the night before your collection day.

The new set-out times went into effect on April 1, 2023.

Opt-in for Morning Setout for Multi-Unit Buildings

Property owners of buildings with 9+ residential units and a janitorial staff may opt in to a 4 AM to 7 AM setout window during the yearly application period. The opt-in period only runs between January 1 and January 31 each year. 

The application period to opt into this alternate set-out time is currently closed.

If your application was approved, your building’s set-out time will be in effect beginning April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. If your building was not approved for an alternate set-out time, you must follow the set-out times for all other residential properties.

Buildings currently enrolled in the 4 AM to 7 AM set-out window cannot set out waste at any other time. Violators are subject to enforcement penalties. After two penalties, the property will be removed from the morning opt-in program.

Enforcement Grace Period

Enforcement grace period for new set-out times ended on May 1.

Policy Feedback

You can submit feedback to DSNY about the new set-out time policy.

Wood debris from construction or home improvement projects is considered commercial waste unless you did the work yourself and did not hire anyone to help.

If you are doing a major construction or renovation project in your home and you hire someone to help, they are responsible for disposing of lumber and other construction material.

If you do repair work in your own home and do not hire anyone to help, you can put out up to six items (bags, bundles) out for collection with your regular trash.

The Department of Parks and Recreation will clean up all or part of a curbside tree that is damaged as a result of weather related activity or other causes.

When a forestry crew cannot immediately remove the debris resulting from their work, they will leave the brush or logs neatly piled near the curb. A crew will be assigned to the debris removal, and the matter will be resolved as soon as possible. The worksites are left as clean as possible, but the area may not always be completely free of small twigs, leaves, chippings, or sawdust.